Billy The Kid shows artistic maturity on new disc

Sure, the Hopewell Township blues musician has been singing the past 10 years in practically every local bar or club where live bands are welcomed.

But on his new album, "She Got a Hold on Me," Evanochko's singing takes on a signature sound, boosted by the pillars of emotional depth and hard-earned wisdom.

No longer just replicating the blues masters he diligently studied, he comes across as an artist who has earned the grit and grizzle in his voice.

He's a guy who has written some alimony checks, attended a few funerals for friends, and learned a lot -- often through mistakes -- weathering his personal storms.

That's not a bad thing, as Evanochko recognizes on "Nothin' to Lose," the lead-off track to his seven-song CD that will be unveiled Saturday when he and his band perform at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

"For too many years I've been playing the blues/making mistakes/and paying my dues," he concedes in the chorus, ultimately realizing it's time to draw from those miscues and dues to move forward. "Chasing down a dream, and I ain't got nothing to lose."

Bluesmen have always bemoaned troublesome women, a tradition Evanochko carries on with "Say You Wanna Woman," on which he tells someone to forget about finding a lady as "pure as driven snow/as solid as a bar of gold." Just when you think the song is moseying toward cliche-ville he hits you with a punchline about buying a novelty store blow-up doll.

"Say You Wanna Woman" benefits from the spiffy harmonica playing of Charlie Barath, part of the album's ace studio team that includes Joe Munroe on accordion, Neil Lowery on slide guitar, and the Regulators' strong cast of Tim Mabin (keys), Gary Ripper (bass), Jon Vallecorsa (guitar) and Joe Pinchotti (drums). Pinchotti is no longer in the band, replaced by Andy Taravella.

The CD was produced at New Brighton's Jeree Records by Don Garvin, who will be inducted next weekend into the Beaver Valley Musicians' Hall of Fame.

Garvin, who has produced records for Donnie Iris, Joe Grushecky, B.E. Taylor, Wild Cherry, the Granati Brothers and a young Christina Aguilera, draws a robust effort from Evanochko, including clean and punchy lead guitar lines. Garvin applies just a touch of studio accoutrements, such as synthesized horns.

Five of the seven songs are Evanochko originals, including the slow scorcher "Free From Your Spell" that's been in his live sets for years. "Disturbed by the Peace" is an autobiographical tale about Evanochko getting arrested by Penn Hills police for playing his guitar too loudly.

The two cover picks are Michael Burks' "One More Chance" and Albert King's standard "Born Under a Bad Sign," on which Evanochko applies his own stamp by mashing together the "no luck at all" part of the chorus. It's catchy.

"The idea is to put your own thing on it," Evanochko said. "You've got to make it your own, or otherwise, you're just being a jukebox."

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.